Ronald Drzewiecki was Marquette star before Chicago Bears drafted him

By the time Ronald Drzewiecki's five children were grown, theirs was a divided home — the Packers vs. the Bears.

Although the Milwaukee native lived in Wisconsin for most of his life and was a Marquette University football Hall of Famer, his loyalties stayed with the team that selected him as a first-round draft pick in 1955.

Drzewiecki played for the Chicago Bears for two seasons but welcomed his Packers-loving family into his home on Sundays to watch and deconstruct the games.

"We became more of Packers fans just for the pure enjoyment and liveliness of it," said one of his green-and-gold-loving sons, John Drzewiecki.

Ronald Drzewiecki died on Wednesday. He was 82.

Known as Ron, Drzewiecki was born in Milwaukee and grew up on the city's south side. He attended Boys Technical High School, where he lettered in football and track and was then recruited by Wisconsin, Kentucky and Marquette. He chose to go to Marquette to stay close to his mother, since his dad had passed away when he was 11.

Drzewiecki played halfback at Marquette from 1951-'54, finishing his career as the school's all-time leading rusher with 1,653 yards and 5.3 yards per carry.

He was named first-team Catholic All-American in 1953 and 1954, and was an AP All-American honorable mention for three years. He was inducted into the school's Hall of Fame in 1985.

At Marquette, Drzewiecki met his wife, Dorothy. They married right before he went to play for the Bears.

Although a first-round draft pick, things were different back then, said his son, John. Drzewiecki got a $10,000 contract that first year with a $1,000 signing bonus. In the off-season, he sold cars to make extra money.

After two years, Drzewiecki went into the Navy but came back a few years later to try to play. He was released by the Bears and soon offered a contract in Oakland but got injured in the last preseason game.

He decided that was it for his football career, and he and Dorothy settled in the Milwaukee area. They raised their family primarily in Greenfield, and Drzewiecki spent about 30 years as a dock worker with Consolidated Freightways.

Drzewiecki enjoyed coaching local youth football leagues and remained an avid professional football fan, supporting the Packers, too, even though he favored the Bears.

Drzewiecki and his wife were married for one month shy of 60 years. Dorothy died last year on Easter Sunday. In his wallet, he still carried a picture of her from when they were dating, and a picture of her in her wedding gown.

"They were soul mates," his son, John Drzewiecki said.

Drzewiecki is survived by his five children, their spouses, 14 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, his sister, Dorothy Bartolotta and many other relatives and friends.

About Ellen Gabler

Ellen Gabler is an investigative reporter and assistant editor who has covered health and regulatory issues and specializes in data analysis. Her recent reporting has exposed shortcomings with clinical laboratories, including a lack of transparency in the quality of labs and accrediting organizations that oversee them. Her 2013 examination of flaws in the nation's newborn screening programs led to reform throughout the country.

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